Update: Heat warning extended to Saturday

Another day has been added to an excessive heat warning for Western Nevada. 

The National Weather Service in Reno extended the warning to 9 a.m. Saturday and revised the forecast high temperature to 97 degrees.

New high temperature records were set for July 7 and 8 with 102- and 103-degree highs in Minden. The 104-degree record for July 9 set in 2002 was safe with the official record for the date of 103 degrees. 

The official day for the National Weather Service begins and ends at 6 a.m., so the high temperatures listed actually occurred the day before.

Thursday is forecast to reach 102 degrees, while Friday will cool off to 100, according to the forecast. The high for Saturday is forecast to hit 96 degrees. 

“When all is said and done, this will probably go down as one of the longer heatwaves on record in Western Nevada and the Eastern Sierra,” National Weather Service Meteorologist Chris Smallcomb said on Saturday afternoon.

“A result of the strengthening of the high as it moves east has led to a northwesterly expansion of the ridge towards our area,” Reno Meteorologist Hector Crespo said early Monday. “Not great news, but we are still expecting that cool down this weekend and into next week. It will still be about 5 degrees above normal, but that is better than the 10-15 degrees above normal that we have been experiencing over the last few days across the region.”

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A high temperature of 101 degrees was recorded in the Gardnerville Ranchos around 3:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

The automated weather system at Minden-Tahoe Airport recorded 100 degree temperatures for 40 minutes starting 4:15 p.m.

Upper elevations weren’t spared with the Mott Weather Station at 8,900 feet near Heavenly recorded a high temperature of 81 degrees.

South Lake Tahoe hitting a record 90 degrees on Friday under a heat advisory. The previous record was 89 degrees set during the 2007 heat wave.

That year saw a record high temperature of 109 degrees for July 6 in Minden. The official high for Saturday was 101 degrees in the Douglas County seat.

There is a chance the record 102-degree temperature for July 7 could be tied or broken on Sunday with a forecast high of 102 degrees. A 100-degree record for July 8 was also set in 2007 and could fall if Monday’s high temperature hits the forecast 101 degrees.

High temperatures are forecast to be 101 degrees Monday through Wednesday, and then down to 100 degrees on Thursday and 99 degrees on Friday.

“Heat related illnesses increase significantly during prolonged heat events, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” forecasters said. “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.”

The hot temperatures pose a threat to young children and pets left unattended in vehicles.

“Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes,” forecasters said.

In order to avoid heat stroke, frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments is recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

“Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location,” forecasters said.